Youth to Lead $100 Billion Economy Through Turkey’s First 3D-Printed Technology Center
Following the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “All my hope lies in youth,” Sabancı Group continues to spread its “Sabancı Youth Mobilization” initiative across Turkey, establishing a new social entrepreneurship model nationwide. After launching its first Technology and Impact Center in Izmir last month, Sabancı Group has now opened the second center in Eskişehir, home to a large population of university students. Established in collaboration with Eskişehir Technical University (ESTÜ), the Çimsa Technology and Impact Center will focus on material technologies, one of the world’s most crucial growth areas.
The opening ceremony, attended by ESTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Adnan Özcan, Sabancı Holding CEO Cenk Alper, Materials Technologies Group President Burak Orhun, Çimsa CEO Umut Zenar, as well as numerous academics and students, marked a significant milestone.
The center will serve undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, as well as researchers and entrepreneurs, across various engineering disciplines, including chemistry, environmental, material science, construction, mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineering.
At a press conference held at the ceremony, ESTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Adnan Özcan emphasized ESTÜ’s legacy: “Eskişehir Technical University, with its strong infrastructure, experienced academic staff, and social facilities, has been committed to producing graduates equipped for employment, enhancing research potential, and contributing to Turkey’s priorities. Our university fosters not only technical knowledge but also critical thinking and a well-rounded cultural and social education. With our highly skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, transforming knowledge into value-added benefits is one of our key strategic goals.” Highlighting ESTÜ’s reputation in university-industry partnerships, Prof. Özcan noted that the collaboration with Sabancı Holding and Çimsa on the new center is one of its most significant initiatives.
“BUILDING THE SABANCI YOUTH MOBILIZATION ON THE VALUES OF THE REPUBLIC”
Sabancı Holding CEO Cenk Alper spoke at the opening, underscoring the pride in launching the center just before the 101st anniversary of the Turkish Republic: “The Sabancı Technology and Impact Centers we’re establishing across Turkey as part of the Sabancı Youth Mobilization reflect the enduring values of our Republic. Believing in youth, trusting them unreservedly, and constantly moving forward are at the heart of this initiative. Our motto ‘From Brain Drain to Brain Gain’ embodies Sabancı’s faith in youth and commitment to the Republic.”
TURKEY’S STRATEGIC FUTURE HINGES ON SUCCESS IN ADVANCED MATERIALS
Alper stressed the importance of this center for Turkey’s future: “The global transformation is creating a new economy focused on sustainability. For this transformation to succeed, both the materials we use and the technologies that produce them must be redefined. Transitioning to advanced materials is a top priority in Sabancı’s strategy. Research shows the global advanced materials market is expected to reach $100 billion within five years. Our share in this market will determine Turkey’s future competitiveness. In other words, Turkey’s strategic importance will be measured not only by its geography but also by its success in advanced materials. The Çimsa Technology and Impact Center will provide opportunities for youth, academics, and entrepreneurs, equipping the next generation of material leaders to drive forward these technologies.”
“WE CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE A SINGLE DAY”
Alper recalled that Sabancı announced the Sabancı Youth Mobilization in May and opened the first center in September: “Now, just one month later, we’re opening this second center. In today’s world, moving from words to action is essential, but speed is equally critical. In the fast-paced economy, we cannot afford to lose a day for our youth, our country, or our economy. That’s why Sabancı has mobilized all its technological power for these centers. This new center is particularly notable, as it is Turkey’s first 3D-printed technology center, developed using a special white cement formula created by Çimsa’s Formula House R&D center in Mersin.”
“A PLATFORM TO BRING BRIGHT IDEAS BEYOND FOUR WALLS”
Çimsa CEO Umut Zenar highlighted that Çimsa’s roadmap is built on a triple transformation strategy: “Just as our corporate strategy, we set a triple goal for our center: ‘From Theory to Practice, From Idea to Product, From Value to Impact.’ Our biggest objective is to transform the technologies developed here into products that have an impact on daily life, bringing bright ideas beyond the lab and creating influence across the entire value chain. Expanding the scope and number of industry-academia collaborations will be crucial in achieving this, and our center is set to be a landmark platform in Turkey for this vision.”
“EQUIPPING YOUTH WITH THE ‘LEADERSHIP SET’ OF TOMORROW”
Zenar emphasized the need for young people to observe industry needs to develop innovative business models: “Through a six-week training program tailored for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, we’ll introduce them to the dynamics of the building materials sector. By the end of five years, we aim to have 500 students benefit from the Çimsa Technology and Impact Center Program. Besides sector-specific training, preparing students for the future world is critical to us. Alongside new skills, we’ll provide them with personal development training in communication skills and interview techniques—equipping them with the ‘leadership set’ they’ll need in the future. We’ll also offer a four-month internship program, during which they can develop projects addressing current industry challenges.”
Empowering Women in the Industry
- Students who complete the Çimsa Technology and Impact Center Training Program will enhance their creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovative idea development skills through ideathons and gain entrepreneurial insights.
- The program will encourage sustainability-focused startups, helping entrepreneurs transform bright ideas into disruptive innovations and integrate with Turkey’s startup ecosystem.
- Role model meet-ups and mentorship programs will support students’ career planning and social solidarity.
- Students will have networking opportunities with industry professionals through factory tours and role model events.
- The center will expand its activities to include vocational high school students, supporting gender equality education and projects to boost women’s employment in the sector. Through these initiatives, the Çimsa Technology and Impact Center will serve as a bridge to empower women’s employment in the industry.
Construction Completed in 48 Hours
Covering an area of 140 square meters, the Çimsa Technology and Impact Center is officially Turkey’s first 3D-printed technology center. Thanks to 3D printing, concrete pouring and wall construction took just 48 hours. The concrete mix used, specifically adapted for the 3D printer, was developed over six months as part of Çimsa’s white cement product range. In the coming days, solar panels will be installed on the center’s roof, allowing it to generate its own electricity from renewable sources.
